Compact elliptical exercise apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking, jogging and climbing with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals positioned close together for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet. Cross trainers guide the feet along a generally elliptical shaped curve to simulate the motions of jogging and climbing. Existing machines often are large and consume excessive floor space. The present invention is an improved elliptical exercise machine having a full length stride yet requiring significantly less floor space than full size elliptical exercise machines found in Health Clubs. Further, the load resistance, crank and drive linkage are positioned below the pedals allowing a simple shroud which acts as a step. Pedals are as close together as desired. Handles are coupled to the foot support member with connector links for coordinated arm exercise.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. An exercise machine comprising: 
       a framework, said framework configured to be supported by the floor;  
       a pair of foot support members, each having a first portion, a second portion and a foot engaging pedal;  
       a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said framework projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;  
       a pair of rocker links, each said rocker link pivotally connected to said framework proximate said floor;  
       a pair of coupler members, each said coupler member pivotally connected to said crank and corresponding said rocker link to cause said rocker link to oscillate back and forth when said crank is rotated;  
       said first portion of said foot support member operably associated with corresponding said rocker link for generally back and forth movement;  
       said second portion of said foot support member rollably associated with corresponding said coupler member for generally up and down movement;  
       said pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of the user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows an elongate curve path.  
     
     
       2. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  wherein said elongate curve path is generally elliptical in shape. 
     
     
       3. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of rollers, each said roller pivotally connected to corresponding said coupler member and in rollable contact with said foot support member. 
     
     
       4. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of rollers, each said roller pivotally connected to corresponding said foot support member and in rollable contact with said coupler member. 
     
     
       5. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably associated with said pedal movement. 
     
     
       6. The exercise machine according to  claim 5  wherein said means for arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector links, each said connector link operably associated with said handle and said foot support member. 
     
     
       7. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a shroud, said shroud positioned below said foot support members to enclose said crank and at least a portion of said coupler members. 
     
     
       8. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a pair of handles, each said handle pivotally connected to said framework and operably associated with said pedal for arm exercise. 
     
     
       9. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably connected to said framework and operably associated with said crank. 
     
     
       10. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  further comprising a load resistance, said load resistance operably associated with said crank, a means for adjustment of said load resistance and, a control system, said control system positioned within reach of the operator whereby said load resistance can be varied during operation of said exercise machine. 
     
     
       11. The exercise machine according to  claim 1  wherein said pedal is positioned on said second portion of said foot support member to cause said pedal to follow an elliptical curve. 
     
     
       12. The exercise machine according to  claim 10  wherein said load resistance is an alternator, said alternator attached to said framework below said foot support member. 
     
     
       13. An exercise machine comprising: 
       a framework, said framework configured to be supported by the floor;  
       a pair of foot support members, each having a first portion, a second portion and a foot engaging pedal;  
       a crank, said crank rotatably attached to said framework projecting outwardly therefrom on both sides thereof;  
       a pair of rocker links, each said rocker link pivotally connected to said framework;  
       a pair of coupler members, each said coupler member pivotally connected to said crank and corresponding said rocker link to cause said rocker link to oscillate back and forth when said crank is rotated;  
       a pair of rollers, each said roller rotatably connected to corresponding said coupler member;  
       said first portion of said foot support member operably associated with corresponding said rocker link for generally back and forth movement;  
       said second portion of said foot support member operably associated with corresponding said roller for generally up and down movement;  
       said pedal configured to move relative to said framework when the foot of the user is rotating said crank whereby said pedal follows an elongate curve positioned above said crank.  
     
     
       14. The exercise machine according to  claim 13  further comprising a means for arm exercise, said means for arm exercise operably associated with said exercise machine. 
     
     
       15. The exercise machine according to  claim 14  wherein said means for arm exercise comprises a pair of handles, each said handle pivotally connected to said framework and a pair of connector links, each said connector link operably associated with said handle and said foot support member. 
     
     
       16. The exercise machine according to  claim 13  further comprising a shroud, said shroud positioned below said foot support members to enclose said crank and at least a portion of said coupler members. 
     
     
       17. The exercise machine according to  claim 13  further comprising a coupler extension, said coupler extension attached to said coupler member whereby said roller is positioned on said coupler extension offset relative to a line connecting the crank pivot and rocker pivot of said coupler member.